SALE Sharks rugby ace Andy Blyth is heading for a complete recovery - just a year after he was paralysed from the neck down in a tackle.

SALE Sharks rugby ace Andy Blyth is heading for a complete recovery - just a year after he was paralysed from the neck down in a tackle.

Doctors feared he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, but he took his first steps in the New Year.

Now medics hope he could be back to normal within two years. ''I'm hoping everything will be back to normal in maybe two years, but I'd prefer it to be sooner,'' said 25-year-old Andy.

''I might not be able to play rugby at the moment, but I will always enjoy the game and would like to be involved in some way in the future.''

He now walks unaided, using crutches only for balance. He can climb stairs, feed himself, dress himself and go out for a beer.

He said: ''At first, my recovery was very fast, but things have slowed down slightly at the moment. I am walking more and more and constantly building up the strength in my legs and my balance is improving all the time.

''I haven't quite got all the feeling and co-ordination back in my hands and that is very frustrating, but I'm determined to keep up with my recovery programme.''

Even three months ago, Andy didn't dare to believe how fully he could recover. At the time, he said: ''I doubt I'll ever make a full recovery. That would be asking too much. But I plan to go as far down the road as possible.''

Andy went down in a tackle against Londoners Saracens five minutes into a match midway through the 1999-2000 season.

He lost all feeling from the neck down and doctors warned him he may be tetraplegic. Before his injury, Andy had played for the England A team four times.

Andy has amazed all around him with his recovery and is now the driving force behind a benefit fund which raises money for various charities.

He said: ''I don't think I would have come so far without the support I have received from all over the country. Everyone has been terrific and I can't thank them enough.''